Much-loved voice to sign off

One of BBC Shropshire's best-loved presenters is retiring after 23 years of broadcasting.

Matthew Carr, who is well known for hosting the Country Music Show and the "toughest quiz on radio" The Wrekin Wrangler, will present his final two shows this Saturday from 10am to 1pm and Sunday from 9am until noon.

Mr Carr said: "I've had a fantastic run. For a former postman to end up doing this for so long and loving every minute of it has been a dream.

"I've been incredibly touched by all the messages I've received from listeners. But I'm 70 next year and my wife Pat is giving up her job, so it seems like the right time to finish."

Tim Beech, BBC Shropshire managing editor, paid tribute to Mr Carr as a "special talent".

He said: "Matthew's secret has always been to simply be himself on air. He's a completely natural, warm person and that's why he's always been so close to his audience.

"No-one stays on air for almost a quarter of a century and gets around a quarter of the available radio audience without having a special talent. It's usually a good thing to leave with the audience wanting more, and Matthew will always be part of the family at BBC Shropshire."

Mr Carr began his career with BBC Shropshire in 1986, for a long time combining his presenting work with his job as a postman.

After this weekend, Mr Carr's show will be covered for a few weeks by Alex Belfield, but from the middle of July Clare Ashford will take over Saturdays and Vicki Archer on Sundays.

Mr Carr said: "Clare and Vicki are both great personalities, they'll bring lots of fun and excitement to those shows."